Blog Post 1 | Jan 2021

 Wow! We're finally done with 2020. Even if the virus isn't yet done with us. 

The dance of morbidity is still on. Except now we've learnt to glaze over those bits of news that report covid casualties like one would cricket scores. It's a dry piece of information that we know will be a part of our lives for some more time at least.  And so we begin to step out, refusing to be locked indoors, waiting away our years.

Disease and life now flourish side-by-side. 

But if collective conscious is a thing at all then the worldwide prayer for normalcy, for us to be immune to the virus and for the virus itself to somehow be eliminated, might just bear fruit. Perhaps things will bounce back to normal sooner than we think. We certainly begin 2021 with that glimmer of hope. 

But even as we hope to return to our pre-covid days, let us not return to our pre-covid ways. 

Resolutions aren't a waste of time. I've been following a ritual for the past few years and I do believe that even if we aren't able to fulfil everything on the list, it certainly gives direction to the year ahead.  Resolutions can be a wonderful mindful practice for the year to begin.

Except that I suspect this year the list we all make will be a little different. More meaningful. Less flippant perhaps? 

So here's mine. The 10 commandments for 2021- 

🍀Step away from plastic

The amount of plastic we consume is mindboggling. From clothes tags to food packaging, food storage to household items. It's - just- everywhere! We even have fake plastic grass in our homes now, so we feel closer to nature 🤷

🍀 Refuse. Reuse. Recycle. 

Segregate your waste. It's not a very difficult to do. There are plenty of NGOs who are waiting to collect your non-biodegradable waste and put it better use. 

🍀 Buy less. Live more. 

Do you really need that new shirt or do you desire it? If you desire it, wait on it for a day or two. Online shopping has made us compulsive clickers and hoarders. Wait out your wishlist. If it persists, buy it. But make sure you donate something else on the side. 

🍀 Invest and indulge in practices that improve your mental and physical health. 

🍀 Choose well

Life is an accumulation of the choices we make. So pick the carrot over the cake. Practice portion control.  Choose your actions like how you'd choose your clothes. 

🍀 Learn something new & do what you love. 

Even if you're not good at it. The last time I picked up the guitar, I fell sick and ended up discontinuing.  This year, I plan to pick it up again.  

🍀Play board games. 

With your friends, your children, your parents. 

🍀Measure your words. 

They cause quick and more harm than anything else. Practice the pause instead. There's something wonderful I had read online. I don't know who wrote it first but it's the most practical advice ever forwarded to me. 

'When in doubt, pause. 

When angry, pause. 

When tired, pause. 

When stressed, pause.

And when you pause, pray.'

🍀 Stop being a people pleaser.

Oh, this can be sooo difficult. But it is also so vital to protecting your mental health. No matter how hard you try, it's impossible to please everyone. So this year, I'm going to do the best that I can for those around me, without the need to please. Do good. Be good. And drop it at that. 

🍀 Learn to speak without pride. Learn to listen without defence. 

I have a feeling, this is going to be a lifelong resolution. 

And as I re-read the post, I realise I'm officially in my thirties 😄

Have a meaningful 2021 everyone! Make it count.